From: £1,571
From: $2,092
An early start, we’ll pick you up from your Quito hotel (not included, we can book these for you if required), and travel north.
We stop at the Quitsato Museum with its unique sundial, located exactly on the equator line. Your guide will explain the importance of the line to modern and ancient civilisations.
After a picnic lunch near San Pablo lake, we walk along the foothills of the imposingly beautiful Imbabura Volcano, passing by local farmlands & through surrounding communities, observing the everyday life of the colourful Otavaleño people and enjoying stunning lake views.
If there is time in the afternoon, we can visit a weaver’s home and learn more about this traditional art, and also visit a family of Andean musicians who hand craft their instruments and happily share their music.
We arrive later that afternoon at Las Palmeras, our base for two nights.
Distance: 7km / 4.3 miles
Time: 2.5 hours
Altitude: 2,600m/8,530ft
Today’s adventure takes us to the stunning Cuicocha Volcano. The hike follows the rim of its stunning blue-green crater lake. As we trek through Andean forests, we admire orchids and bromeliads, and keep an eye out for the endangered Andean Condor. The hike offers spectacular views of the lake throughout.
This circular trail is rated moderate. It begins with a steady uphill climb lasting about 1.5 hours, ascending from 3,100m to 3,500m. The next portion features gentle ups and downs along the crater rim for approximately two hours, followed by a gradual descent over the final 1.5 hours, returning to the starting point. (5 hours, 12km). A boxed lunch is provided.
In the afternoon, we visit the charming leathercraft town of Cotacachi, followed by a stop at the vibrant Otavalo handicraft market. Here, indigenous artisans from the region, each with their distinctive dress and customs, showcase a wide range of handmade goods.
Dinner and overnight at Las Palmeras.
Distance: 8km / 5 miles
Time: 4 hours
Altitude: 3,100-3,500m/10,170ft-11,483ft
Today’s walk explores the beautiful glacial landscapes around Papallacta.
Papallacta is home to lots of volcanic hot springs, which locals and tourists visit to help dissolve away the stresses of modern life.
On our walk we reach the highest level of our trip at 4,000m/13,123ft.
We pass mountain lagoons and discover elfin forests where we can learn more about the distinct flora & fauna of this region.
Great views, and you start to see how Ecuador is so varied, in climate, flora, fauna and vistas.
After a picnic lunch we can relax in the thermal waters of the local hot springs.
Dinner & overnight in Guango Lodge, a rustic lodge with plenty of history and character, plus lots of humming birds that come to feed at twilight and dusk.
Distance: 8km / 5 miles
Time: 4 hours
Altitude: 3,600-4,000m/11,811ft-13,123ft
This morning, we journey south to the Cotopaxi region for a circular hike through the stunning Pita Canyon. Along the route, enjoy breathtaking views of the canyon, as well as the Cotopaxi, Sincholagua, and Rumiñahui Volcanoes.
This moderate hike takes place at an altitude of 3,600m to 3,800m. The first section follows the Pita River along the canyon for approximately one hour, featuring a gentle climb that brings us into Cotopaxi National Park.
We then continue for 1.5 hours across a landscape dotted with massive volcanic formations and debris, navigating gentle ups and downs until we reach the “pucara,” an ancient Incan fortress ruin within the park.
The final portion of the hike loops back around for another 1.5 hours of undulating terrain along the slopes of Cotopaxi Volcano, concluding at a mountain lodge where the trail ends. (12km – 4 hours).
A late lunch will be served at the lodge.
Dinner and overnight stay at Hacienda La Cienega.
Distance: 12km / 7.5 miles
Time: 4 hours
Altitude: 3,600-3,800m/11,811ft-12,467ft.
We start early this morning with a drive to Quilotoa Crater Lake, a journey of approximately 1.5 hours through the breathtaking hidden valleys of the Andes, leading to the pristine and unspoiled region of Quilotoa.
Today’s hike takes us along the rim of stunning Quilotoa Crater Lake, renowned for its striking blue-green waters. Walking at an average altitude of 3,800m to 3,900m, the trail features numerous ascents and descents and takes around 6 hours to complete.
As we follow the ridge of this magnificent lagoon, we’ll be treated to awe-inspiring views of the turquoise lake contrasted against the rugged gray rocky outcrops of the surrounding mountains. A boxed lunch is provided.
This location is truly one of Ecuador’s most unforgettable natural wonders. (12km – 6 hours).
In the afternoon, we continue our journey to the Baños region.
Travel on to the Baños region in the afternoon, with dinner & overnight in Hacienda Leito.
Distance: 10km / 6.2 miles
Time: 5-6 hours
Altitude: 3,800m / 12,467ft
Today’s route follows a historic smuggler’s path along the dramatic Pastaza Canyon, situated at an altitude of 1,800m. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of the river below and the mysterious Llanganates Mountains—legendary for being the supposed hiding place of Atahualpa’s lost Inca gold.
The trail takes us past stunning waterfalls, including the awe-inspiring Manto de la Novia. (7km – 2.5 hours).
Afterward, we continue to the Pailon del Diablo waterfall, a spectacular natural wonder. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Baños.
Dinner & overnight in Hacienda Leito.
Distance: 7km / 4.3 miles
Time: 2.5 hours
Altitude: 1,800m / 5,905ft
This morning, we embark on a walk through lush cloud forests and scenic Andean farmlands, offering breathtaking views of the smoking Tungurahua Volcano and the dramatic Pastaza Canyon.
The route leads us down into Baños, where we stop for lunch before beginning our journey back to Quito (3-4 hours), where the tour concludes.
We can add Quito hotels and extra services on request.
Distance: 12km / 7.5 miles
Time: 3.5 hours
Altitude: 1,800-3,050m/5,905-10,007ft
Mountain lodges and haciendas.
Most offer private rooms with private bathrooms with flush toilets and warm water showers.
The majority of the trip is open to people of good mobility and health with some experience of trekking.
We build in acclimatisation and our walks aim to be 3-4 hours in length.
We grade this as an ‘easy to medium’ trek because of the high altitude and consecutive hiking days.
Trekkers ideally need to be used to walking while carrying a daypack and ideally accustomed to walking for 3-5 hours on consecutive days.
However, it is also open to first time trekkers and people who are in good physical shape.
Almost all dietary requirements can be catered for – please ask us for more information.
Breakfasts at hotels will feature teas, coffees and juices to drink, plus cereals, fruit, eggs, toast and jams etc.
While out on tours, we either supply a packed lunch of sandwiches, snacks, soup, fruit etc, or we eat at a local restaurant/hacienda. These are often buffet style with soups, rice, pasta, potatoes and then puddings/fruit.
Our accommodation will provide evening meals. In general, it’s a soup for starters followed by an Ecuador inspired main dish – some international meals may be available at certain lodges.
Tour leader throughout the tour, a local, English speaking Ecuadorian guide with many years’ experience.
Our local drivers and support staff have worked with us for many years.
Staff employed at the lodges are generally from the local communities.
A fascinating and educational journey through Ecuador’s Maquipucuna Cloud Forest offered rich learning and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Six months exploring five South American countries, with incredible experiences, expert local guides, carefully chosen accommodation and every detail seamlessly organised by Andean Trails.
This fantastic holiday takes in volcanoes, hot springs, markets and Inca ruins.
Energetic morning walks are followed by relaxing afternoons in beautiful locations.
We spend evenings enjoying free time in a traditional, cosy hacienda or hotel, leaving you refreshed for the next day’s hiking adventure.
Altitudes reached are not overly high, so this is a perfect tour for those looking to combine activity with culture.
Join others on a small group tour or book a private one to suit (variations available).
From: $1644 per person
Duration
4 days
From: $1198 per person
Duration
4 days
Being at altitude, especially in the tropics, is usually a pleasure as it isn’t so hot, there are few insects and the air is clear.
However, when gaining altitude, air pressure drops and the amount of oxygen reaching the lungs is reduced. Although we build plenty of acclimatisation time into our itineraries, certain ill-effects are possible. Nevertheless, all of these can be minimised or prevented if care is taken.
On reaching heights above 2,500m (approx. 8,200 ft), especially when ascent has been straight from sea level, heart pounding, mild headache and shortness of breath are normal, especially on exertion.
Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a syndrome known locally as soroche, whose symptoms can include of bad headache, dizziness and nausea).
To avoid AMS, you should:
Ecuador is the second smallest South American country, and one of the most varied.
It comprises three main geographical areas: the coast, highlands and Amazon plus is home to the Galapagos Islands.
Because of its relatively compact size, it makes a great holiday destination as you can move from highlight to highlight fairly easily and rapidly.
Ecuador lies between latitudes 4º south and 2º north. Overall, climate varies according to time of year, altitude and region.
In the Ecuadorian highlands, there is little temperature variation by season as temperature depends largely on altitude.
In Quito, shade temperatures range from 6 to 10ºC in the morning and from 19 to 23ºC in the afternoon, with cool nights. In the lower basins between mountains, it gets significantly warmer.
Rainfall depends on whether an area lies closer to the eastern or western Andes. To the west, June-Sept is the dry period and Oct-May the wet (with often a short, dry spell in Dec or Jan).
The best period to visit Quito and trek and climb volcanoes such as Cotopaxi is the west Andean dry season of June-Sept and Dec/Jan. This is also Ecuador’s high season. During the Oct-May wet season, most rainfall is in the afternoons.
To the east, Oct to Feb are dry and Mar-Sept are wet. Overall, the southern highlands are drier than the northern highlands.
On the Pacific coast, rainfall becomes less from north to south. The coast can be enjoyed year-round, although from June-Sept mornings are often grey with the garua mists.
Jan-May is the hottest and rainiest time of year.
In Ecuador’s Amazonian region, rain can fall at any time, but Dec-March is usually the driest season and Mar-Sept is usually the wettest period.
Galapagos can be visited at any time of year.
The warm season is Jan-Jun, bringing calm, warm waters (around 70°F) and sunny days (72-9°F or 22-32°C), February and March being the hottest and sunniest months with blue skies and sunshine.
The islands receive slightly more rainfall during these months, occasional heavy bursts in the afternoon. Great for snorkelling and you can spend a lot of time in the water without wetsuits, with great, clear waters.
The dry ‘garua’ season is Jun-Dec an it’s a great time for marine life. August and September are the coolest when you may need a jacket in the evenings and the sea can be choppy and temperature drops around 15-24ºC on average.
There can be mist on the islands in the mornings (garua) which usually burns off by midday leaving overcast skies or a sunny afternoon.
Sea temperatures may drop to 60°F- 72°F (15-22°C) during this time and snorkellers will want a wet suit for prolonged periods in the sea.
A fascinating and educational journey through Ecuador’s Maquipucuna Cloud Forest offered rich learning and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Six months exploring five South American countries, with incredible experiences, expert local guides, carefully chosen accommodation and every detail seamlessly organised by Andean Trails.
